Abstract

Objectives To analyze the findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients less than 65 years of age with history of cryptogenic stroke and suspected patent foramen ovale (PFO) who were studied with Contrast-Transcranial Doppler.

Materials and Methods This transversal retrospective study included both, men and women less than 65 years of age.

Results Our sample (n = 47, 47% male and 53% female, average age 42 years old) had High Intensity Transient Signals (HITS)-positive in 61.7% and HITS-negative in 38.3%. In HITS-positive patients, lesions were predominantly located on the subcortical U fibers, lone or multiple bilateral symmetric distributions. In patients with moderate-severity HITS, the posterior circulation was the most affected.

Conclusion In patients less than 65 years of age with cryptogenic stroke with lesions affecting the subcortical U fibers, with unique or multiple bilateral symmetric distributions, a PFO should be considered as an underlying cause.